Personal
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Recognize that some police stations are located in high-crime areas and may not be safer than other public locations.
In some cities, most stations are in neighborhoods where robbery risk remains high.
- This advice may not apply if local stations are in high-crime areas.
one person who lived it
Make eye contact with people who are dawdling or waiting nearby to signal that you have seen them, but do not stare.
So they know you've seen them.
one person who lived it
If a buyer ghosts you at the meetup spot, be cautious that they may be following you.
They might be present without identifying themselves to track your route home.
one person who lived it
Meet in the vestibule of large retail stores for warmth and safety during cold weather.
It provides warmth and keeps people around.
one person who lived it
Consider emergency room waiting areas as a last-resort alternative if other safe locations are unsuitable.
Help is close by if you get shot.
one person who lived it
Suggest meeting at a police station to filter out potential scammers who will likely cancel the deal.
Would-be buyers often drop contact upon this suggestion, saving time and energy.
one person who lived it
Be aware that e-transfer payments can be cancelled by the buyer immediately after they leave your sight.
One person reported a buyer cancelling the transaction right after taking the phone and walking away.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of buyers who demand photos of you before agreeing to a safe meeting place.
One person reported being blocked immediately after sending a photo, which felt skeevy.
one person who lived it
Verify that the police station is open and staffed before arranging a meeting there.
Not all police stations are open 24 hours.
one person who lived it
10 more on this
Inspect the item thoroughly in your hands before handing over any money to avoid receiving defective or fake goods.
To prevent situations where someone receives bad merchandise and the seller runs off with the money.
one person who lived it
Choose banks or police stations with thorough security camera coverage to deter violence and theft.
Cameras can capture faces, car types, and license plates.
one person who lived it
Conduct high-value cash exchanges in a bank lobby to verify currency authenticity with teller machines.
Banks provide safer environments where violence is less likely and staff can check bills.
one person who lived it
Choose meeting locations with video surveillance, such as large retailers or gas stations.
Most businesses, especially large retailers and gas stations, have video surveillance in their parking lots.
one person who lived it
Meet at well-lit, camera-monitored public locations like Walmart entrances or convenience stores if police stations or banks are unavailable.
These places often have 'safe place' signs, cameras, and people around, providing warmth and supervision.
2 people, independently
- Check if your local police department offers a designated, well-lit meeting spot with video surveillance for transactions.1
Avoid conducting non-banking business, such as Craigslist meetings, in bank lobbies.
It may violate security policies and result in being asked to leave for loitering.
one person who lived it
Conduct title transfers and notarizations inside a bank branch to keep the entire transaction secure indoors.
Banks have areas specifically designed for signing checks and similar documents.
one person who lived it
Meet during daytime hours in busy public places like malls or market parking lots.
3 people, independently
Meet in locations with visible security cameras.
They have cameras everywhere.
one person who lived it
Leave immediately if a buyer calls from a building asking you to go up to their apartment after agreeing to meet outside.
one person who lived it